2007 Program Schedule

FRIDAY, SEPT. 28TH

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.    Oklahoma Nursery Landscape Tradeshow (Optional)

12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.        Writer’s Workshop (Additional fee)

1:45 p.m.        Regional Meetings

2:30 p.m.        First-Timer & Mentor Reception (1st Time Meeting Attendees & Mentors Only)

3:30 p.m.        Garden Products Information Exhibit Opens
With more than 80 booths, this year’s Garden Products Information Exhibition will be one of the most exciting places for any garden communication expert to expand their knowledge of current garden trends, products, and information. Also, stop by the Garden Writers Association Foundation booth to learn more about the spectacular prize drawing for an Epson LCD Projector & an Apple Intel MacBook Pro Computer!

6:00 p.m.        Reception in Exhibit Hall
The exhibit reception will offer hors d’oeuvres and a ticketed wine and beer bar. Visit the Garden Writers Association Foundation booth to enter the drawing!

7:30 p.m.        Welcome Reception & Keynote Presentation at Myriad Botanical Gardens
Join us for our fabulous keynote speaker, Michael Wallis. Mr. Wallis is an historian, biographer, reporter, author, storyteller, and the true authority on Route 66. In his presentation entitled Route 66: The Mother Road, he will delight you with his knowledge about publishing and his stories of the historic highway that reaches from Chicago to Los Angeles.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 29TH

6:00 a.m.       Early Morning Photo Shoot at Hugh Stout Garden
This year’s photo shoot garden is an extensive country garden tucked away in a rural pocket near the heart of Oklahoma City. Hundreds of ornamental and drought-tolerant plantings are interspersed with touches of whimsy. Hugh Stout is the past president of the Oklahoma Horticulutral Society and very active in the Iris and Hemerocallis Societies, both of which are having their national conventions in Oklahoma City this summer and also touring this garden.
                        Breakfast will be served on the bus!

7:00 a.m.        Breakfast
                        Sponsored by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

8:00 a.m.        Story Tours
The group will start at the Oklahoma State University, OKC Campus where you can see the AAS Display Garden and the AAS Flower and Vegetable Trial Garden, with the All-America Selections Winners. Walk over to the Farmers’ Market and you will see locally grown produce and Oklahoma-made products. Next stop is the Minick Garden, with the emphasis on the use of stone from their rock quarry used in and around several water gardens. Farther west, the Express Ranch is one of the state’s most beautiful working ranches. Located on a portion of the historic Chisholm Trail, it features impeccably manicured gardens and world-class Limousin and Longhorn cattle. You may have seen their prize team of Clydesdales pulling the Oklahoma float in the 2007 Rose Parade in Pasadena. Tour Refreshments Sponsored By Pro-Mix by Premier Horticulture.

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.        Concurrent Sessions

The Survivor Tree - Saving the Oklahoma City Bombing Tree
Mark Bays will tell us the story of the 80-year-old American Elm Tree in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City that is known as the Survivor Tree. The tree was almost cut down in order to recover pieces of evidences that hung from its branches after the tragic events of the Oklahoma City Bombing. Due to the efforts of hundreds of community citizens, the tree was spared and a plan to save the tree was launched. Mark will share his efforts to save the tree and how it has become a symbol of human resilience, renewal and rebirth. Presenter: Mark Bays, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture-Forestry Division.

Improving Digital Photography Workflow: Streamlining Archiving and File Management
With digital imaging firmly rooted in garden and horticultural photography everyone is facing new challenges when it comes to processing and safely storing their ever-growing number of images. Will Funk will inform us on how to streamline the digital workflow from capturing images to archiving raw and processed files. The discussion will include dealing with immediate redundancy of files, creating a personalized and streamlined workflow for your digital images, file storage, filing system software and safe, long-term archiving of digital files. Presenter: Will Funk, Alpine Aperture.

2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.        Coffee Break
                                          Sponsored by All-American Daylily Selection Council

2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.        Concurrent Sessions

New Perennials from Around the World
After whirlwind tours of eight countries (Japan, Germany, Israel, US, Holland, England, Ireland and New Zealand), Dan Heims will reveal who the movers and shakers are in each country and what they divulged about the plants they love. Mostly hardy perennials will be discussed but exceptional “temperennials” will also be shown. Dan will also share his tips on how to get plants into the US legally! Presenter: Dan Heims, Terra Nova Nurseries.

Podcasting for Garden Communicators
Podcasting is the newest means of niche communication available to connect with a gardening audience. Glen O. Seibert, will enlighten you to this entirely new technology that can expand your creative and marketing capabilities. Since September 2006, Glen has launched gardening- and landscaping- based podcasts that successfully combine his e-magazine website with podcasting. He will discuss the equipment, techniques, styles, and markets available to build a community of listeners using podcasting. Presenter: Glen O. Seibert, GreenManRadio.com.

3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.        Coffee Break
                                          Sponsored by All-American Daylily Selection Council

3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.        Concurrent Sessions

Greening Roofs across the Country
Green roofs are a whole new kind of garden that turns ornamental gardening into a kind of eco-machine in the sky. Ed Snodgrass will share a description of the new green roof technology and explain why this rapidly growing trend is occurring and gaining momentum. The discussion will include what plants are being used, where the prominent projects are located, what the green roofs look like and why green roofs are important for all of us. Presenter: Ed Snodgrass, Emory Knoll Farms.

The Database-driven Book
Writing a book in a database program is an effective technique to deal with large amounts of information and is an efficient and effective alternative to using multiple word processing files and massive piles of paper organized in file folders. Mark Turner will describe how he utilized a database program to handle the 1220 entries of descriptions, photographs and maps in his co-authored book Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest. Mark will include a strategy for sharing the database between co-authors and show examples of the database in action. Presenter: Mark Turner, Turner Photographics.

4:30 p.m.        Exhibit Hall Reopens

6:00 p.m.        Reception in Exhibit Hall

8:00 p.m.        Exhibit Closes for this year – Explore OKC on your own!

SUNDAY, SEPT. 30TH

7:00 a.m.        Breakfast & GWA Annual Business Meeting
                        Sponsored by Bradfield Organics and SafeLawns

8:00 a.m.        Story Tours
National Memorial, the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, Bricktown, and the Bronze Statues! Private gardens featured Sunday morning will include the creative and playful McMayhill & Baker garden, with an eclectic mix of sculpture, furniture and objects enlivens this handsome habitat. Also, visit the Vater garden, a timeless landscape with informal English-style borders interpreted with Oklahoma-proven plants. A picturesque knot garden anchors a surprising splash of herbs and flowers behind the rose and vine-covered studio. Tour Refreshments Sponsored By Total Environment

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.    Concurrent Sessions

Great Trees for Rt. 66: Shading the Highways and Byways from Chicago to LA
Historic Route 66 traverses a diverse landscape that demands special trees to shade its highways and byways. Intense heat, cold, drought, wind and varied soils are among the challenges faced by gardeners in this diverse corridor. This panel of experts will share their favorite trees for locations as well as address the economic and social value of trees. This includes reducing air pollution and stormwater runoff, their role in personal and community mental health, their growing role in therapeutic and healing gardens, and in reducing community infrastructure costs. New and underused trees will be highlighted for the vast and varied historic Route 66 corridor. Panelists: Mike Schnelle, Oklahoma State University, and Jim Ord, J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. Panelist and Moderator: Nancy Buley, J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.

Garden Blogs
Blogs were the break-out story of 2006, the “new journalism,” in which the writer is the editor and publisher alike, reaching an undefined universe of readers. Many GWA members have personal websites. Blogging is the next big thing. The audience will journey to the next dimension on the Internet highway, featuring garden writers who have launched lively, opinionated and highly readable blogs. Panelists: Mary Ann Newcomer, idahogardener.com, Kathy Purdy, coldclimategardening.com, and David Perry, davidperryphoto.com/blog. Moderator: Debra Prinzing, freelance.

12:00 p.m.        Lunch
                           Sponsored by All-America Selections

12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.        Concurrent Sessions

Hooked on Organics
The uses and benefits of organics is a hot topic in the world of gardening. This panel will discuss many different aspects of organics including how these products compare to traditional products, the need for responsible choices, promoting conscientious and careful decisions, and presenting organics appropriately and accurately. What’s new in organically based gardening products will also be discussed. Panelists: Jessica Walliser, The Organic Gardeners, Ron Alexander, R. Alexander Assoc., and Tom Szaky, TerraCycle Plant Foods. Moderator: Therese Ciesinski, Organic Gardening magazine.

Meet the Magazine Editors
Magazine editors from prominent publications will share their editorial needs, offer contributor guidelines, submitting query letters and answer questions from the audience. Panelists: David Ellis, The American Gardener, Steve Aiken, Fine Gardening, Sara Begg, Horticulture magazine, Eric Liskey, Meredith/BHG Special Interest Publications. Moderator: Nan Sterman, Plant Soup.

1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.        Coffee Break
                                           Sponsored by Goldsmith Seeds

2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.        Concurrent Sessions

Ornamental Grasses for Container Gardening
There are many varieties of textural grasses and sedges suitable for smaller container gardens as well as those used in gardens and landscapes. Some grasses have a prairie feel, while others can lend themselves to contemporary or oriental theme applications. Used alone or in combinations, colorful, textural grasses are beautiful in containers for any garden. Rita will showcase many new grass and grass-like varieties in photographs of her garden and visits to nurseries, private and botanical gardens. She will also explain her garden and share tips on her photography. Presenter: Rita Randolph, Randolph’s Greenhouses.

Reconnecting the Disconnect
The elusive generation X's and Y's, and even the Boomers lured by the siren's call of iPods, flat screens and BlackBerrys are drifting away from gardening. How can we inspire these generations back to the world of dirt? Brian will share his answers based on his years of industry experience and leading knowledge of the latest trends in gardening and plants, which includes an overview of the gardening industry worldwide. Brian will also include his tips on how to improve communication skills to reach this disconnected market and highlights the importance of “being remarkable” to reach today's technology mesmerized and distracted audience. Presenter: Brian Minter, Minter Country Garden.

3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.        Coffee Break

3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.        Concurrent Sessions

Making Mediterranean Grey and Green Herbs Feel at Home in the Garden
Herb gardens are a natural place for growing the subtle-hued, many-textured grey and green herbs native to the Mediterranean. Lavender, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, sage, santolina, savory and thyme grow naturally clinging to mountains, hillsides and cliffs. They stubbornly exist in barren, dry, sandy, rocky and stone-laden soils. Susan and Tina Marie will share tips on how to create a Mediterranean feel using grey and green herbs in the garden, including a close-up view of these native grey and green Mediterranean herbs and the conditions surrounding their native habitat. Presenters: Susan Belsinger and Tina Marie Wilcox.

Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing
Thanks to desktop publishing, print-on-demand and internet marketing, it's easy to publish your own book, calendar, magazine or other printed materials. But is it wise? Lynn Byczynski will discuss her extensive experience with self-publishing versus going with an established publisher. Presenter: Lynn Byczynski, Growing for Market.

4:15 p.m.        Leave for Special Event at Deep Fork Tree Farm & Arcadia Farm
Located off historic Rt. 66, the 850+ acre country retreat of a local oil magnate abuts one of the most superbly manicured 300+ acre tree farms in the country! Deep Fork Tree Farm is home to countless unusual and magnificent specimen size, deciduous and evergreen trees and is genuinely a showplace. Each section is meticulously marked with artistically carved wood signs indicating variety. We’ll tour the spectacular adjoining Arcadia Farm via hay wagons with stops along the way for some regional food and beverage, meandering our way through picturesque wooded countryside teeming with wild turkeys, deer, rare ducks and more! Our ride concludes with good old Oklahoma hospitality, food, drinks and, of course, entertainment that will surely “knock your boots off”!!!

8:15 p.m.        Return to Hotel

MONDAY, OCT. 1ST

7:00 a.m.        Breakfast
                        Sponsored by Vigoro

8:00 a.m.        Story Tours in Nichols Hills
Monday morning will be the tour of private gardens located in Nichols Hills, an upscale village surrounded by Oklahoma City. Kamala Gamble, of Kam’s Kookery and Guilford Gardens, grows delicious organic herbs and vegetables for local restaurants and to supply her own cooking school. A mixed border separates the yard from the organic garden, full of heirloom and new varieties of vegetables. Next, we will visit the garden of Sherry and Jerry Cash, which features enormous boulders and rare plants that evoke a sense of timeless beauty in this tranquil, Japanese-style garden that incorporates elements of authentic Zen garden design and Feng Shui. Groves of cold-hardy bamboo - more than twenty varieties - surround a massive pond filled with show-quality Japanese Koi and unusual varieties of water lilies. The residence of Christian Keesee has a formal layout with an Italian flair; a predominately white garden with splashes of soft color among the massive evergreen hedges. Large potted orange trees flank the pool in the center of the lawn, creating a Mediterranean feeling. Walled courtyards and geometric beds extend modern architecture into the landscape of Fanny and Don Bolen’s garden. Magnolias, Southern live oaks, and Taxus form a verdant backdrop for changing seasonal color.

The garden of Kirsten and David Griffin is a stunning family oasis. Colorful perennials and annuals spill over formal boxwood borders framing the dramatic stone grotto. An outdoor kitchen adjacent to the swimming pool is loaded with state-of-the-art culinary conveniences. Fluid sweeps of expansive beds and a calculated absence of symmetry characterize Jerry and David Baird’s garden. An array of annuals and perennials in the cutting garden provide continual blooms for flower arranging. The mixture of brick, stone, wood and gravel maximize the informality of this garden. Barbara and Jackie Cooper’s recently constructed urban estate is designed for entertaining on a grand scale. Outdoor areas include a finely appointed covered terrace, a broad lawn with retaining wall, a holly allée, and a flagstone path winding through a tapestry of perennials and shrubs.

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.        Concurrent Sessions

Heirloom meets Hybridized- Narcissus and Daffodils
This panel will explore the discovery of dwarf Cherokee daffodils around old cemeteries, abandoned homesites and in pastures in rural Northeastern Oklahoma. The panelists will share a visual documentary of centuries-old daffodil varieties found at Oklahoma's Trail of Tears terminus, mixed with the history of the Cherokees (1830s thru the Civil War) and stories of the families who planted these flowers. The Trail of Tears Narcissus have become important links tying daffodils with history sparking story ideas for flowers and ethnic/cultural histories. Bringing Narcissus into the present day, a discussion and visual presentation of the recent advances in Daffodil breeding will highlight the dazzling hybridized introductions available for our gardens today. Panelists: Russell Studebaker, The Tulsa World, and Brent and Becky Heath, Brent and Becky’s Bulbs.

Communicating through Radio and TV
Have you thought about hosting a radio program or being on television? This panel discussion will explain how radio and television complement and feed your other garden communications. Learn how to obtain and structure a radio program and all about compensation or sponsorship. Hear what television producers are looking for in garden talent or products, and how to best approach television media with a pitch. This panel will offer specific and practical tips from people who've been there and successfully done it. Panelist and Moderator: C. L. Fornari, gardenlady.com. Panelists: Allan Storjohann, KRMG and KTOK Gardening show host and Joe Lamp’l, GardenSMART host.

2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.        Coffee Break
                                          Sponsored by Fafard, Inc.

2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.        Concurrent Sessions

The Minimalist Garden
It’s a bit counter-intuitive for someone in the business of selling plants to be excited about minimalist gardens, but it’s hard to ignore the ever-growing trend of the simple, contemporary garden. More homes are being built with smaller gardens and some homeowners are looking for an easy-care solution to their outdoor living space. Often it’s a desire for a more water-wise design that leads to a minimalist garden. Presenter: Nicholas Staddon, Monrovia Growers.

Writing for the Web
Increasingly more and more garden writers are seeing their words on the World Wide Web. Writing effectively for the web is not the same as writing for print. Online readers behave differently than readers of printed material. People rarely read every word on Web pages. They usually scan the page picking out individual words and sentences. And e-mail newsletters are read even more abruptly than websites! Our panel will share tips to write effectively and concisely so that your online words get noticed. Panelists: Carol Brouwer, Texas Cooperative Extension and Toby Bost, Arboretum at Tanglewood Park.

3:15 p.m. –3:45 p.m.        Coffee Break

3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.        Concurrent Sessions

2007 Flash Sessions
Flash 1: Hip Houseplants
Fresh ideas abound as houseplants take center stage for year-round gardeners. Learn about houseplants called lower light lovelies, hippie revival, what's old is new, and foliage that packs a punch! Houseplants provide diversity, fun, and beauty. Presenter: Julia Hofley, Goldner Walsh Nursery.
Flash 2: Twiggeries: Rustic Garden Features from Pruning Throwaways
Twiggery: the art of recycling all those twigs left over from pruning. J-P will give instruction on the style and method, using simple tools and materials as well as informal ambitions, that will put these twiggery constructions within the reach of just about anyone. Presenter: J-P Malocsay, gardener and writer.

How to Review Others’ Work - and be Invited Back for More
Many book and program reviews are done with guarded glowing remarks that don’t give the full disclosure of the works. Following mother’s advice of “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all” isn’t very pro-active for most situations. Bob Tanem will share his techniques on how to review others‘ work properly and still be invited back to the table to say more. Learn the proper steps for reviewing and interviewing. Presenter: Bob Tanem, Tanem Enterprises.

5:00 p.m.        Tour & Awards Dinner at the National Cowboy Museum
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum houses more than 28,000 Western and American Indian art works and artifacts. The more than 200,000 sq.ft. facility boasts the most extensive collection of American rodeo, photographs, barbed wire, saddlery, and early rodeo trophies in the world. The Museum collections focus on preserving and interpreting the heritage of the American West, including the hardships and rough life of taming and living in the western United States, and its effects on people living there. Following dinner will be the GWA Garden Media Awards presentation!

9:00 p.m.        Karaoke Party at Hotel

TUESDAY, OCT. 2ND